Military

Thunderbird pilot praised for handling crippled jet

Engine failure, fuel malfunction. Maybe even a bird strike.

The official finding of what caused an F-16 to crash after performing for the Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony Thursday has not been released, but experts and pilots are giving major props to the pilot of the No. 6 jet, Maj. Alex Turner, for a safe and impressive crash landing.

Turner, who was released following a medical checkup, was not available for comment. But those who know flying were impressed with his piloting skills.

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Engine failure, fuel malfunction. Maybe even a bird strike.

The official finding of what caused an F-16 to crash after performing for the Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony Thursday has not been released, but experts and pilots are giving major props to the pilot of the No. 6 jet, Maj. Alex Turner, for a safe and impressive crash landing.

Turner, who was released following a medical checkup, was not available for comment. But those who know flying were impressed with his piloting skills.

“Those guys are really, really good at what they do, and this particular pilot, especially so,” said John “JV” Venable, commander of the Thunderbirds from 2000-2001. Venable, in the Air Force for 25 years, flew F-16s throughout his career.

Read more at USA Today

Image courtesy of f-16.net

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